Baking Soda vs Bicarbonate of Soda - What's the Difference and Uses

Baking Soda and Bicarbonate of Soda: What's the Difference?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a familiar household staple used for a variety of purposes, including baking. But you may have heard baking soda referred to by another name - bicarbonate of soda. So what's the difference between baking soda and bicarbonate of soda? Are they the same thing?

The Short Answer

Baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same ingredient. The term "bicarbonate of soda" is more commonly used in the United Kingdom, while "baking soda" is the American terminology. Chemically speaking, these terms refer to the exact same compound - sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).

The Long Answer

While bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are technically the same thing, some brands may include additional ingredients that alter the product slightly. Arm & Hammer is perhaps the most popular brand of baking soda in America, and it contains 100% sodium bicarbonate without any additives. But other brands may include added ingredients like cornstarch to prevent clumping. So if you're purchasing baking soda to use in recipes, be sure to read the label to understand exactly what's in the box.

How Baking Soda Works

Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical leavening agent that causes baked goods to rise. When baking soda mixes with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk, a chemical reaction takes place that produces carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles are what give quick breads, cakes, and other baked goods their fluffy and light texture.

Using Baking Soda Effectively

Because it requires an acidic activator, baking soda will not work properly in all recipes. If a recipe doesn't contain any acidic components, you may end up with a flat baked good. For the best results, pair baking soda with ingredients like:

• Buttermilk
• Molasses
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Natural cocoa powder
• Fruit juice
• Citrus zest
• Plain yogurt

When added to doughs and batters, baking soda immediately begins to produce those important bubbles. So don't waste time once that dash of baking soda mixes with the wet ingredients. Get your creation into the oven as quickly as possible before the bubbles can escape and collapse.

Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder

Another common baking ingredient often confused with baking soda is baking powder. While both contain sodium bicarbonate as an essential part of their make-up, they are not the same product with the same effect.

What is Baking Powder?

Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate combined with the acidic ingredient monocalcium phosphate. It also typically contains cornstarch to help keep the other ingredients stable and dry.

With the acid and base combined into one product, baking powder doesn't require the presence of additional acidic ingredients to activate it. The baking powder contains the necessary reactionary components to cause rising all on its own. A teaspoon of baking powder often replaces more than a teaspoon each of baking soda and powder in recipes.

Substituting Baking Powder for Baking Soda

Replacing baking soda with baking powder is a simple 1:3 ratio conversion in recipes. Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 3 teaspoons of baking powder. However, because baking powder contains acids, leaving it out would throw off more than just the amount of leavening. It would also change the overall flavor and texture of the final baked good. Your best bet is to use exactly what the recipe calls for.

Substituting Baking Soda for Baking Powder

You can make an easy baking powder substitute by pairing baking soda with an acid ingredient at a 1:2 ratio. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar or white vinegar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Be aware that swapping for baking soda instead of baking powder can leave a slight lingering bitter flavor in sensitive baked goods. And items made with baking soda tend to brown faster, so reduce oven temperatures by about 25°F when using baking soda instead of baking powder.

The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Beyond being an essential ingredient for quick breads and cookies, plain old baking soda has many other helpful uses throughout the home. Keep a box on hand to tackle an array of cleaning, freshening, beauty, and health needs.

Cleaning with Baking Soda

Baking soda makes an effective eco-friendly cleaning product for a variety of purposes. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water to scrub away stains on surfaces, tiles, bathtubs, and more. The mild abrasiveness lifts dirt without being too harsh on materials.

Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit on greasy stains before vacuuming carpets and upholstery. The soda absorbs and pulls up oily residue from fabric fibers.

Mix a cup of baking soda into a bucket of mop water to help remove stuck on messes from floors. Rinse very thoroughly.

To clean and deodorize the fridge and freezer, place a small open container filled with baking soda inside each to absorb funky smells.

Deodorizing with Baking Soda

Place an open box of baking soda inside closets, shoes, gym bags, cat litter boxes, and anywhere else prone to acquiring odors to help remove unpleasant smells. Arm & Hammer even makes refrigerator deodorizer boxes that contain a mixture of baking soda and activated charcoal to combat potent food stains.

For extra deodorizing power, fill sachets, small bowls, or socks with a thin layer of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Tuck these fragrant parcels into boots, drawers, lockers, suitcases or hang them in a room to make the space smell fresh.

Beauty Uses for Baking Soda

Mix baking soda with water to form a wet paste for an effective acne-fighting and skin-smoothing face mask. Rinse the mask off thoroughly after 10 minutes before applying moisturizer.

Stir 1 teaspoon baking soda into a dollop of shampoo to create an clarifying mixture that removes buildup from hair. Rinse thoroughly after washing.

Add a cup of baking soda to a warm bath to soothe sunburned or itchy skin. The sodium bicarbonate has an anti-inflammatory effect on irritated skin.

Health Remedies with Baking Soda

Dissolve the contents of 1 packet of baking soda into a glass of water to quickly alleviate acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. The sodium bicarbonate neutralizes excess stomach acid.

Gargle and rinse with a baking soda solution made with 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in a cup of warm water to relieve sore throats, mouth sores, and canker sores.

Is Baking Soda Safe?

Food grade baking soda is non-toxic and generally considered safe to ingest and apply topically. However, taking too much baking soda can potentially lead to edema or high blood sodium levels. And some people may experience skin irritation from topical use.

Consult your healthcare provider before using baking soda as a regular supplement or digestive aid. Never give baking soda to pets or infants without medical supervision.

When cleaning with baking soda, use caution when interacting with vinegar, lemon juice, or other acids. The chemical reaction between base baking soda and acid produces a fizzy foam that can expand quickly and overflow containers.

Always check clothing care labels before adding baking soda directly to laundry cycles. The abrasive quality that makes baking soda an excellent stain remover could also damage more delicate textiles over time.

Where to Buy Baking Soda

Baking soda can be purchased in the baking aisle at any grocery store or supermarket, often sold alongside baking powder. It typically comes in cardboard boxes or plastic containers ranging from a few ounces up to 10 pounds.

Major brands like Arm & Hammer, Bob's Red Mill, and Clabber Girl all produce relatively equivalent versions of the versatile kitchen staple. Cost for baking soda averages about 20 cents per ounce. So larger bulk containers offer a more economical value for regular baking or household use.

Online retailers like Amazon also sell baking soda. And warehouse stores may offer especially affordable bulk options for giant boxes up to 25 pounds.

Look for 100% sodium bicarbonate on ingredient labels when purchasing baking soda. Some brands include additional cornstarch or other additives that alter measurements when substituting in recipes. Check labels to know exactly what is in each box.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.